LENDING SECTOR OUTLOOK
Markets near bottom, but volatility not over; buy in staggered manner: Sunil Subramaniam
Markets are experiencing volatility due to global events. Experts advise investors to buy in small, staggered amounts. Institutional investors are gradually increasing positions. The upcoming earnings season will be crucial for determining the market's direction. Investors should focus on corporate guidance and sector-specific trends for future investment decisions.
AI-driven credit, underwriting & collections to be banking disruptors
On overall credit expansion, the survey said lenders are positive and anticipate continued momentum in non-food credit. The survey, which covered 24 banks across segments, was released on Sunday.
India's banking sector resilient; 11-13% credit growth for January-June likely: Survey
Indian banks anticipate robust non-food credit growth of 11-13% from January-June 2026, driven by improving balance sheets and steady economic activity. Retail and SME segments are expected to lead this expansion, while industrial credit will see a more measured recovery. Most bankers foresee a stable monetary policy stance.
Arohan Financial Services in final lap to file DRHP for Rs 1400 crore IPO
Arohan Financial Services plans a Rs 1,400 crore IPO, combining fresh issue and OFS, amid improving microfinance sector conditions. With better asset quality, stable growth outlook, and recovering loan portfolios, the company aims to capitalise on renewed investor confidence.
Investing in ability and quality of balance sheet? 5 large-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 29%
Predicting the movement of the Nifty and Sensex is a fool’s task. Thursday’s trading on the market only underlines this truism. And it is in times of uncertainty that we tend to gravitate towards large-cap stocks because, over the long term, they do create wealth. But there is one more, equally compelling, reason why they should be preferred to mid- and small-cap stocks, especially in a phase where there is a time-wise correction – the kind where markets do not fall sharply but simply refuse to move higher for extended periods.
Mutual funds raise tech exposure in March after 8-year low. Tactical move or trend reversal?
Mutual funds raised tech exposure in March after an eight-year low, driven by tactical rebalancing and improved valuations. Experts say global cues like US tech recovery and easing rate concerns are aiding sentiment. Despite recent losses of up to 25%, the sector outlook remains gradually positive, supported by AI and cloud trends, though near-term volatility persists.
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These 10 private and public banking stocks have an upside potential of up to 30% in one year, according to analysts
As far as fundamentals are concerned, most banks have continued to show improvement on critical parameters like NPAs. But if inflation rises and impacts credit growth (which has been an area of some concern), these stocks could take a hit. Now, why we are talking about inflation is obvious: Rising crude oil prices. That’s bad news for the Indian economy and the markets. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components ,earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum, to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of up to 25%
It is tough to think positively about the markets when all the news is about blockades, wars, and everything that can disturb the global economy. But remember this: Whatever its intensity or length, there is enough historical evidence to show that markets have a greater probability of trading at a higher level a few months after a war. And no war in the Gulf has dragged on. So, all one needs is patience – and the ability to think beyond the war.

Manage short-term risk and volatility for long-term opportunity: 7 stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 32%
There will be many ifs and buts – and a high volatility quotient – when a market is in its initial phase of correction, especially a correction caused by a mix of many reasons. We will only know a bottom has been formed much after it has been formed. And anyone who claims they know when and where the bottom will be formed will most likely be proven wrong. So, rather than thinking about where the Nifty or the Sensex will be at the end of this phase of correction, focus on what to look for in the midst of the volatility.

Stock picks of the week: 6 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 29%
Usually, official talks are mere formalities – meetings to ink things that have already been agreed upon. The one scheduled between the US and Iran is different for two reasons. One, it is about war. And two, one of the parties involved is US President Trump. So, one does not quite know what to expect. As far as markets are concerned, however, there are some things that are clearly visible. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.

US Stock Market: AI anxiety batters US software stocks as growth narrative faces fresh test
U.S. software stocks tumbled as renewed fears over AI’s disruptive impact hit sentiment, with Reuters reporting steep declines across major names. A cautious rollout of a new model from Anthropic heightened concerns that advanced AI could erode traditional software demand, pressuring valuations and exposing vulnerabilities in legacy systems.

These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 25% return in 1 year, according to analysts
Over the next few trading sessions, the direction of indices like the Nifty and Sensex will be determined by news on ceasefire violations and the US-Iran talks. But what will finally decide the market’s trend will be earnings – and the biggest factor impacting earnings is the price of crude oil. So, if there is a flash about a ceasefire violation, but crude oil prices don’t react adversely, then maybe one should wait it out.

As India's MSME sector matures, IDBI Bank's Sumit Phakka says the lending framework must keep pace
India's small businesses are now driving economic growth. New government budgets are boosting MSME financing and support. Digital tools are helping banks understand these businesses better. This shift is enabling more MSMEs to access credit and contribute to 'Make in India' and 'Make for the World' initiatives. Defence and auto components are key growth areas.

These 8 private and public banking stocks have an upside of up to 28% in one year, according to analysts
The markets will react to the two-week conditional ceasefire announced by US President Trump and accepted by Iran, also conditionally. There are still many missteps that might occur and it remains to be seen how freely Iran permits ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. And, most importantly for the Indian markets, how crude oil prices react. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components ,earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum, to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.

Moody's cuts outlook on US BDCs to 'negative' on redemption pressure, rising leverage
Moody's Ratings on Tuesday revised its outlook on U.S. business development companies (BDCs) to negative from stable, citing rising redemption pressures, higher leverage and weakening access to funding markets.

RBI pause now, tightening later: A delicate trade-off with rising tail risks
India's economy faces testing times from rising oil prices and global uncertainty. While growth is solid, it is uneven and vulnerable. Inflation is moderating but fragile. The Reserve Bank of India anticipates a cautious approach to interest rates. Deeper reforms and sharper policy focus are crucial for sustained growth amidst evolving global challenges.

ETMarkets Smart Talk | Financials, IT turn attractive; microfinance seen as turnaround bet: Niraj Kumar
Indian stock markets are presenting new chances for investors. Financial and IT sectors are looking attractive. Microfinance is seen as a turnaround play. Investors with a medium-term view can benefit from sectors showing growth. Geopolitical issues are a concern, but stability could lead to a market rebound. Domestic liquidity remains strong.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of up to 25%
The official kickoff of the Q4 earnings season happens when a large IT company announces its results, although the quarter’s business updates have already started to roll in. Now, remember this: The Gulf war has affected every business in every country in the world, but the Q4 results will not entirely reflect its impact, as it escalated only in March. It is the Q1 FY27 results that will fully account for the spiked oil prices, the currency fluctuations, and, of course, the disruption in global supply chains. But, as they say, there is never a perfect time to invest; investing is a journey that one has to manage.

Most difficult: Staying invested in businesses while ignoring noise called Gulf war; 19 stocks from different sectors to ‘hold’
Businesses that create long-term wealth are those where the demand runway is long, the competitive position is strong, and the management is competent. Everything else, tariffs and war included, is noise where the market is concerned. Loud noise, yes. Uncomfortable noise, certainly. But noise nonetheless. And these days, the noise level is not only high, but appears credible. To some extent, that is because of the disruption in the energy supply chains that are critical for India. But it is not the first time such noise has impacted the market – and it will not be the last. It will keep happening. Learn to live with, and manage, it.

Q4 impact: Bank stocks slump up to 32% in 3 months, but brokerages bet on SBI, HDFC Bank, 6 more stocks. Check why
Banking stocks have slumped up to 32% over three months, underperforming the Nifty amid FII outflows, rising oil prices and rate concerns. Brokerages remain selective, backing SBI, ICICI Bank and others despite margin pressure. Q4 results and FY27 outlook will be key triggers for the sector’s recovery.

These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 25% return in 1 year, according to analysts
When will the Gulf war end? No one can answer that with any certainty. But whenever it ends, the probability is that volatility will continue for a while in most emerging markets, including India. We might, in fact, see the Indian market underperforming other markets. The reason we are saying this is because some sectors were facing headwinds even before the war began. And for others, things are not going to be easy.

These mid-cap stocks with ‘Strong Buy’ & ‘Buy’ recos can rally over 25%, according to analysts
If you are putting fresh money into the stock market (or even looking to rejig your existing portfolio), it would be best not to react to what the Nifty, Sensex, or other sectoral indices are doing. At least for the next few sessions, or maybe even till the conflict in the Gulf region is in the past. The reason is simple: A short covering in beaten down Nifty stocks – or, in fact, even in Nifty futures – is good enough to pull the index back up on some days. It is an uptick that has nothing to do with the general mood and trend of the stock market.

These 8 banking stocks have an upside potential of more than 23% in 1 year, according to analysts
Banking stocks will continue to take a hit if there is any sign of strong inflationary pressures emerging. And the one thing that can push inflation higher is spiking oil prices. If oil prices stay at higher levels for longer than what the market has priced in, we will probably see inflation moving up, seriously denting sentiment for the banking sector. Of course, we are talking about sentiment here; the real business is a different matter altogether.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of more than 25%
The probability is high that the earnings of a large majority of sectors will suffer because of the Gulf war. For instance, sectors where natural gas is a key input were taking a hit in the very first days of the war itself. So, their Q4 numbers will be hit. As the war continues, there are clear indications that gas supplies will remain disrupted for some time to come. For many companies, it could mean trouble even for their Q1 numbers. In fact, sectors like QSR and tourism-related entities may also now come under pressure.

5 stocks from different sectors with score improvement and upside potential of up to 33% in one year, according to analysts
While today’s market is surely pricing in the fresh developments in the Gulf region, also remember it is, in some senses, the last day of the current financial year. That is the reason why sectors like banks – which are still sitting with gains despite all the corrections – are witnessing strong cuts thanks to profit-booking. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars: Earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in their market outlook in the given time frame.

HDFC Bank chairman's sudden exit exposes leadership strains at top Indian lender
HDFC Bank's chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing values and ethics differences. This led to a significant stock drop and put CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan under pressure. Internal rifts and underperformance against peers are raising investor concerns. The bank is facing scrutiny following a major merger and a challenging economic outlook.

Strong domestic demand supports India's economy, but Middle East crisis raises stagflation risks: Morgan Stanley
India's economic outlook is bolstered by robust domestic demand and improving high-frequency indicators, including strong auto sales and GST collections. However, rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, present significant stagflation risks and could impact growth and macro stability. External vulnerabilities remain a concern due to reliance on Middle Eastern energy and its importance for Indian exports and remittances.

These 10 banking stocks have an upside potential of up to 26% in 1 year, according to analysts
At a time when one statement from US President Trump (which was immediately contradicted) can cause crude oil prices to drop sharply, expecting rational behaviour in the equity (or commodity) market is probably expecting too much. At this juncture, investors need to develop the ability to either keep out of the market or invest only with a long-term perspective. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components ,earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum, to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of more than 25%
It might be too early to say anything definitively, but we have the first indication that there is some pressure on US President Trump to end the Gulf war and that he might act on it. The problem, however, is that wars are not tariffs – they are not something that can be changed depending on one person's mood. So, while being optimistic, it would still be prudent to be cautious. Also, given that the impact of the disruption caused by the war in the last one month will be visible in the Q4 numbers, it would be worthwhile to think before placing all your bets on one tweet.
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